Civil & disputes
When a disagreement turns into a dispute, we help you understand your options, reduce stress, and move toward a sensible outcome.
Civil law is about resolving disputes between people, neighbours or businesses. This can include unpaid debts, contract breaches, disputes about fences or access, small claims in the Magistrates’ Court, VCAT matters, consumer complaints and building issues. Our role is to help you understand your rights, obligations and realistic options.
We regularly assist with:
• General civil advice when something “doesn't feel right” and you need a clear view of your position.
• Debt recovery for businesses and individuals — chasing unpaid invoices or defending claims.
• Contract disputes (services, supply, partnerships, loans).
• Neighbourhood issues — fencing, access, encroachment and nuisance disputes.
• VCAT civil matters, including consumer and domestic building disputes.
• Small claims and Magistrates’ Court disputes.
• Consumer issues — faulty goods, poor services, refunds and misrepresentation.
• Building disputes — delays, defects, scope changes and unpaid work.
• Letters of demand and negotiation to resolve matters before they escalate.
1. Initial review & advice
We review your documents, listen to the story and give you frank, practical advice on your legal position, risks and options — including whether it’s worth pursuing.
2. Early steps & negotiation
Often we start with a clear, measured letter of demand or response. Where appropriate, we explore negotiation, mediation or VCAT processes to resolve matters without unnecessary cost.
3. Escalation if needed
If the dispute can’t be resolved early, we guide you through VCAT or court options (for example, the Magistrates’ Court for small claims), keeping you updated on costs, timeframes and likely outcomes at each stage.
To give you meaningful advice, it helps to have:
• The key contract, quote, emails or messages.
• Any invoices, payment records or timelines of what’s gone wrong.
• Photos, reports or defect lists (for building disputes).
• Copies of any letters of demand or formal notices already received.
You don’t need everything perfect before you contact us — we’ll help you work out what matters most.
Civil disputes can sometimes be resolved with one well-judged letter; others take longer through VCAT or the courts. We’ll talk openly about cost–benefit, commercial realities and when it may be better to negotiate, compromise or step back — so you’re not throwing good money after bad.
We assist with debt recovery, contract disputes, fencing and neighbour issues, VCAT civil matters, small claims in the Magistrates’ Court, consumer disputes and building disputes.
Not necessarily. Sometimes a short advice or a clear letter can resolve a small issue and give you peace of mind. We’ll be honest if the cost is likely to outweigh the benefit.
Many disputes resolve through negotiation, letters of demand or mediation before a hearing. Where formal proceedings are needed, we help you prepare and represent you or support you through the process.
We’ll discuss fees upfront. Depending on the matter, we may offer fixed-fee stages (for example, an initial advice or a letter of demand) and then talk through estimated costs if proceedings are issued.
Yes. We regularly assist businesses to pursue unpaid invoices, negotiate payment plans or defend unfair claims — with an eye on cost, reputation and ongoing relationships.
We help you stay grounded and strategic. Sometimes that means firm correspondence; other times it means using formal processes (like VCAT or court) to bring structure and consequences to the dispute.
Yes. We can advise on your rights and responsibilities, review quotes or notices, and help you respond or negotiate in a way that aims to resolve the issue while minimising long-term friction where possible.
If your situation feels uncertain, you don't have to navigate it alone. We take the time to understand your goals, explain the options in plain language, and help you move forward with confidence.
